76 Chapter Two
Table 6-1. Locations, Characteristics of Navigation Lights by Type of Boat
Navigation Light Requirements for Powerboats Underway
Light requirements on power-driven vessels depend upon the length of the vessel,
with some permissible options:
Powerboat Underway
White Masthead Sidelights White
Vessel Length Light Forward Red & Green Sternlight Options
Less than 39.4 ft (12m)
Required Required
Required Required
(2nd optional)
Options 1, 2, 3 below
Greater than 39.4 ft,
Required Required
Required Required
but less than 65.6 ft (20m)
(2nd optional)
Option 1 below
Greater than 65.6 ft,
Required Required
Required Required
but less than 164 ft (50m)
(2nd optional)
Greater than 164 ft (50m)
2 required Required
Required Required
1 aft and higher
than the foreward
Option 1. Under International and Inland Rules, the
sidelights of a vessel under 65.6 ft (20m) long may be
combined into one lantern carried on the fore and aft
centerline of the vessel.
Option 2. Both Inland and International Rules allow
a power-driven vessel less than 39.4 feet (12 m) to
exhibit an all-round white light and sidelights, in place
of masthead light, stern light, and sidelights.
Option 3. Under International Rules only, a vessel
less than 23 feet (7 m) with a maximum speed of less
than 7 knots, may exhibit an all-round white light in
place of masthead and sternlights. It should display
sidelights, if practical .
Navigation Light Requirements for Sailboats Under Both Sail and Power
Sailboats under both sail and power must exhibit the
lights of a power driven vessel, as described above.
However, during daylight hours, International Rules
require a sailboat under both sail and power to display
a black conical day shape, pointed end down.
This is not required under Inland Rules, if the boat
is less than 39.4 feet (12m), although the shape may be
used.
Light requirements for sailing vessels not under
auxiliary power depend upon the length of the vessel.
They do not display a masthead light. Their sidelight
and sternlight requirements are the same as for a
powerboat of the same size.
14
15
16
17
18
19
19a
20
21
21a